New Flyer Unveils Its Most Advanced EV Bus for Mass Mobility Urban Markets

New Flyer’s zero-emission battery-electric next generation transit bus delivers better energy recovery, more passenger capacity, simplified design, waterproof battery packaging, and better system durability

New Flyer of America Inc. independent global bus manufacturers, unveiled its next generation battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ heavy-duty transit bus, built on the proven Xcelsior® platform.

Based on North America’s first low-floor transit bus introduced by New Flyer in 1991, the Xcelsior was launched in 2009, and over 16,000 have been delivered to date. The battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ and fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ models have delivered more than 4.5 million service miles to date, and this next generation electric bus applies NFI’s expertise and ingenuity in zero-emission vehicle design and performance.

The Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ incorporates three distinct technology advancements to deliver a high-performance bus, including next generation high-energy batteries that extend range up to 13%, advanced protective battery packaging designed for easy install and simpler serviceability, and a new lightweight electric traction drive system with up to 90% energy recovery.

“The Xcelsior CHARGE NG harnesses the best technology on the market. It includes a streamlined design that reduces maintenance, increases energy density, and improves energy recovery while significantly reducing weight, offering a lighter, more energy efficient, and longer-range electric bus,” said Chris Stoddart, President, New Flyer and MCI. “As EV demand continues to build, so too has our innovation. With better manufacturability, higher energy recovery, fewer parts, and improved system durability, our Xcelsior CHARGE NG is a high-performance bus that is more sustainable and easier to maintain.”

New Flyer manufactures its own batteries in its bus production facilities. The battery packaging, developed by New Flyer, utilizes single waterproof enclosure design and offers weight reduction and simpler maintenance, decreasing the number of parts by 90%. Its streamlined approach also allows technicians to simply “plug in” or “unplug” individual battery packs, significantly reducing bus downtime and allowing easy replacement as needed in future.

High-energy, long-range batteries utilize an active liquid cooling system to maintain temperature and respond quickly to increases in power demand and environmental loads. The batteries are also better insulated, lending optimal temperature maintenance, prolonged battery life, and greater power efficiency. Finally, the Siemens ELFA 3 traction system delivers up to 90% energy recovery and weighs 69% less than ELFA 2, allowing greater passenger capacity and lending more efficient design through compact inverters and embedded drive controllers.

“Millions of people count on us every day, whether for reaching their destinations or expecting the highest quality from our technology,” said Jennifer McNeill, Vice President of Public Sector Sales and Marketing, New Flyer and MCI. “This is why, alongside vehicle technology advancements, we have evolved our manufacturing and field services processes to ensure a safe, reliable, scalable approach to be ready for tomorrow’s growing electric bus demand today. In turn, we also enhanced training for our teams and those of transit agencies across North America, enabling EV adoption while supporting continuous workforce development to drive the new mobility era.”

To provide workforce development on Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ technologies, NFI will host a no cost virtual training session on May 26, 2021, through the Vehicle Innovation Center (“VIC”). To register for the VIC session or to learn more about the Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ battery-electric bus, visit newflyer.com/NG. 

NFI Group is a leader and innovator in zero-emission mobility. The Company’s battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles are in more than 80 cities in four countries and have completed over 20 million electric service miles. NFI has the broadest offering of electric vehicles including medium- and heavy-duty transit buses, motor coaches and double-deck buses. NFI subsidiary New Flyer continues to lead the North American evolution to zero-emission with sustainable buses, technology, and comprehensive infrastructure through New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™, which provides safe and reliable infrastructure services for sustainable mobility projects. For information on infrastructure services, visit newflyer.com/infrastructuresolutions.

“The Xcelsior CHARGE NG represents another exciting new electric-vehicle product launch for NFI that further cements our position as the leader in zero-emission mobility in all of our core markets,” said Paul Soubry, President and Chief Executive Officer, NFI. “The future is electric, and NFI is leading the ZEvolution by offering the widest range of battery- and fuel-cell electric buses and coaches. As a full-service solutions provider, NFI incorporates infrastructure installation, vehicle manufacturing, telematics and diagnostics, and full parts and service aftermarket support to best serve our customers.”

NFI also operates the VIC, the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus technology and providing essential workforce development through electric bus training, now available online. For information on the VIC, visit newflyer.com/VIC.

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